Epson TM-FX2180 User manual

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9PinImpactDotPrinter
EPSON FX-2180
TM-FX2180
®

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual
1
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
FOR AMERICAN USERS
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels that exceed the limits
established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this equipment has more than one
interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the printer.
FOR CANADIAN USERS
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le materiel brouilleur du Canada.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to use of the information contained herein. Neither is any
liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Epson America, Inc.
assumes no responsibility for errors and omissions.
Neither Epson America, Inc., nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by purchaser or third parties
as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product.
Epson America, Inc., shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original
EPSON Products or EPSON-Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual
2
TRADEMARKS
EPSON®and ESC/P®are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in
those marks.
Copyright © 1998 Epson America, Inc.
20770 Madrona Avenue
Torrance, CA 90503

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual
3
PRECAUTIONS
There are cautionary notes throughout the text to help you avoid personal injury or equipment damage.
WARNING
Signals a precaution which, if ignored, could result in serious or fatal personal injury. Great caution should be exercised in performing procedures preceded by a
WARNING heading.
CAUTION
Signals a precaution which, if ignored, could result in damage to equipment.
Always observe the measures listed below when performing repair or maintenance procedures.
WARNING
1. Always disconnect the product from both the power source and host computer before performing any maintenance or repair procedure.
2. No work should be performed on the unit by persons unfamiliar with basic safety measures dictated for all electronics technicians in their line of work.
3. In performing testing described in this manual, do not connect the unit to a power source until instructed to do so. When the power supply cable must be connected,
use extreme caution in working on the power supply and other electronic components.
CAUTION
1. Repairs on EPSON products should be performed only by an EPSON-certified repair technician.
2. Make certain that the source voltage is the same as the rated voltage listed on the serial number/rating plate. If the EPSON product has a primary AC rating
different from the available power source, do not connect it to the power source.
3. Always verify that the EPSON product has been disconnected from the power source before removing or replacing printed circuit boards and/or individual chips.
4. To protect sensitive microprocessors and circuitry, use static discharge equipment, such as anti-static wrist straps, when accessing internal components.
5. Replace malfunctioning components only with those components recommended by the manufacturer; introduction of second-source ICs or other nonapproved
components may damage the product and void any applicable EPSON warranty.

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual
4
PREFACE
This manual describes the basic functions, theory of electrical and mechanical operations, and maintenance and repair procedures of the EPSON
FX-2180. The instructions and procedures included herein are intended for the experienced repair technicians, and attention should be given to the precautions on the
preceding page. The chapters are organized as follows:
Chapter 1. Product Description
Provides specifications and a general overview of the printer.
Chapter 2. Operating Principles
Describes the electrical and mechanical operation of the printer.
Chapter 3. Troubleshooting
Provides step-by-step troubleshooting procedures.
Chapter 4. Disassembly and Assembly
Provides step-by-step instructions on disassembling and assembling the
printer.
Chapter 5. Adjustments
Provides Epson-approved adjustment methods.
Chapter 6. Maintenance
Provides preventive maintenance procedures and lists the Epson-approved
lubricants and adhesives required for servicing the printer.
Appendix
Provides the following additional reference information:
• Connector pin assignments
• Circuit board components layouts
• Circuit board schematics
• Exploded diagrams

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual
5
Table of Contents
1. Product Description.............................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Specifications.........................................................................................................1-1
1.1.1 Printing Specifications.............................................................................1-1
1.1.2 Print Speed and Printable Columns ........................................................1-1
1.1.3 Resolution...............................................................................................1-2
1.1.4 Printable Area .........................................................................................1-2
1.1.5 Paper Feed Specifications......................................................................1-5
1.1.6 Paper Specifications ...............................................................................1-5
1.1.7 Interface Specifications...........................................................................1-8
1.1.8 Software Specifications...........................................................................1-8
1.1.9 Environmental Conditions .......................................................................1-9
1.1.10 Electrical Specifications.........................................................................1-9
1.1.11 Physical Specifications..........................................................................1-9
1.1.12 Reliability...............................................................................................1-9
1.1.13 Safety Approvals.................................................................................1-10
1.1.14 CE Marking..........................................................................................1-10
1.1.15 Acoustic Noise.....................................................................................1-10
1.1.16 Ribbon Cartridge.................................................................................1-10
1.2 Operation.............................................................................................................1-10
1.2.1 Control Panel ........................................................................................1-10
1.2.1.1 Buttons ...................................................................................1-10
1.2.1.2 LEDs.......................................................................................1-11
1.2.1.3 Beeper....................................................................................1-12
1.2.2 Paper Release Lever Positions.............................................................1-12
1.2.3 Paper Thickness Lever Positions..........................................................1-13
1.3 Special Functions ................................................................................................1-13
1.3.1 Printing a Self Test................................................................................1-13
1.3.2 Turning on the Double-strike Mode .......................................................1-13
1.3.3 Using the Bidirectional Adjustment Mode..............................................1-14
1.3.4 Changing Default Settings ....................................................................1-14
1.3.5 Printing a Hex Dump.............................................................................1-15
1.3.6 Clearing the EEPROM...........................................................................1-15
1.3.6.1 Clearing the Ribbon Cartridge Replacement Counter.............1-15
1.4 Consumables and Options...................................................................................1-15
1.4.1 Consumables ........................................................................................1-15
1.4.2 Options..................................................................................................1-15

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual
6
2. Operating Principles............................................................................................................2-1
2.1 Overview................................................................................................................2-1
2.1.1 Printer Mechanism...................................................................................2-1
2.1.2 Power Supply Circuit...............................................................................2-2
2.1.2.1 Power Supply Circuit Operation................................................2-2
2.1.3 Control Circuit..........................................................................................2-3
2.1.3.1 Control Circuit Operation ..........................................................2-3
3. Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................3-1
3.1 Overview................................................................................................................3-1
3.2 Troubleshooting Information..................................................................................3-1
3.2.1 Print Head...............................................................................................3-1
3.2.2 Sensors...................................................................................................3-2
3.2.3 Motors .....................................................................................................3-3
3.2.4 Error Conditions ......................................................................................3-3
3.3 Unit Level Troubleshooting....................................................................................3-4
3.4 Repairing the Power Supply Board........................................................................3-7
3.5 Repairing the Main Board Assembly......................................................................3-9
3.6 Repairing the Printer Mechanism.........................................................................3-11
4. Disassembly and Assembly.................................................................................................4-1
4.1 Overview................................................................................................................4-1
4.1.1 Precautions.............................................................................................4-1
4.1.2 Tools .......................................................................................................4-1
4.1.3 Specifications for Screws........................................................................4-2
4.1.4 Service Check After Repair.....................................................................4-3
4.2 Disassembly and Assembly...................................................................................4-4
4.2.1 Preparing to Disassemble the Printer......................................................4-5
4.2.2 Removing the Panel Board Assembly.....................................................4-6
4.2.3 Removing the Print Head........................................................................4-7
4.2.4 Removing the HP Sensor........................................................................4-8
4.2.5 Removing the PW Sensor Assembly ......................................................4-8
4.2.6 Removing the Ribbon Mask ....................................................................4-9
4.2.7 Removing the Upper Housing Assembly...............................................4-10
4.2.8 Removing the Platen Assembly.............................................................4-11
4.2.9 Removing the Platen Gear....................................................................4-12
4.2.10 Removing the Case Open Sensor Assembly......................................4-12
4.2.11 Removing the Printer Mechanism........................................................4-13
4.2.11.1 Removing the CR Motor Assembly.......................................4-15
4.2.11.2 Removing the PF Motor Assembly........................................4-16
4.2.11.3 Removing the PG Sensor Assembly.....................................4-17
4.2.11.4 Removing the Right Sub Frame Assembly...........................4-18
4.2.11.5 Removing the Right Frame Assembly...................................4-18

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual
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4.2.11.6 Disassembling the Right Frame Assembly............................4-19
4.2.11.7 Removing the Left Frame Assembly.....................................4.21
4.2.11.8 Removing the Ribbon Drive Assembly..................................4-22
4.2.11.9 Removing the CR Assembly.................................................4-23
4.2.11.10 Removing the Rear PE Sensor Assembly ..........................4.25
4.2.11.11 Removing the Front PE Sensor Assembly..........................4-26
4.2.11.12 Removing the Main Board Assembly..................................4-26
4.2.11.13 Removing the Power Supply Board Assembly....................4-28
5. Adjustments.........................................................................................................................5-1
5.1 Adjustment Overview.............................................................................................5-1
5.1.1 Required Adjustments.............................................................................5-1
5.1.2 Adjustment Tools.....................................................................................5-1
5.2 Adjusting and Resetting the Printer .......................................................................5-2
5.2.1 Platen Gap/Parallelism Adjustment.........................................................5-2
5.2.2 Bidirectional Print Alignment (Bi-d) Adjustment.......................................5-4
5.2.2.1 Performing the Bi-d Adjustment Using the Settings Diskette....5-5
5.2.2.2 Performing the Bi-d Adjustment from the Control Panel...........5-6
5.2.3 Factory Settings......................................................................................5-7
5.2.4 TPE Level Reset.....................................................................................5-8
6. Maintenance........................................................................................................................6-1
6.1 Preventive Maintenance ........................................................................................6-1
6.2 Lubrication.............................................................................................................6-1
Appendix................................................................................................................................ A-1
A.1 Connector Summary............................................................................................. A-1
A.2 Circuit Board Component Layout Diagrams......................................................... A-5
A.3 Circuit Board and Exploded Diagrams.................................................................. A-7

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
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EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual Chapter 1 Product Description
1-1
1.1 Specifications
This section provides detailed specifications for the EPSON®FX-2180
impact dot matrix printer. The FX-2180 is based on the FX-2170 printer,
and its main components are very similar to those of the FX-2170.
However, the FX-2180 provides a faster printing speed, better multi-part
form printing, and other enhancements.
Figure 1-1. Exterior View of the FX-2180
1.1.1 Printing Specifications
Print method: Impact dot matrix
Number of pins: 18
Print pin arrangement: 9 ×2
Print pin diameter: 0.0114 inch (0.29 mm)
Color: Black
Print direction: Bidirectional with logic seeking
1.1.2 Print Speed and Printable Columns
Table 1-1. Print Speed and Printable Columns
Printing Speed (cps)
Printing
Mode Character Pitch (cpi) Printable Columns Normal Copy 1* Copy 2**
High speed
draft 10 136 506 439 337
10 136 380 330 284
12 163 455 396 341
Draft
15 204 380 285 285
17 233 325 282 244Draft
condensed 20 272 380 330 284
Draft
emphasized 10 136 190 165 142
10 136 95 82 71
12 163 114 99 85
NLQ
15 204 94 71 31
* Paper thickness lever set to 3.
** Paper thickness lever set to 4 or more.
Note:

When the power supply voltage drops to the lower limit, the printer stops
printing, and then starts printing again on the same line at a slower
speed.

When the print head temperature rises to the upper limit, the printer
stops printing. When the head temperature returns to the normal level,
the printer starts printing again at a slower speed.

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual Chapter 1 Product Description
1-2
1.1.3 Resolution
Table 1-2. Resolution
Printing Mode Horizontal
Density (dpi) Vertical Density (dpi) Adjacent Dot Printed
High speed draft 90 72 No
Draft 120 72 No
Draft condensed 240 720 No
Draft emphasized 120 72 Yes
NLQ 240 144 No
60, 72, 80, 90,
or 120 72 YesBit image
120 or 240 72 No
1.1.4 Printable Area
Single sheets
printable area
PW
LM RM
PL
TM
BM
Figure 1-2. Printable Area for Single Sheets
Table 1-3. Printable Area for Single Sheets
Single Sheets Single-sheet Multi-part
Forms
PW (width) See Table 1-8 See Table 1-9
PL (length) See Table 1-8 See Table 1-9
LM (left
margin) 0.12 in. (3 mm) or more (PW ≤14.33 in. or 364 mm)
0.98 in. (25 mm) or more
(PW = 16.5 in. or 420 mm)
0.12 in. (3 mm) or more
(PW ≤14.33 in. or 364 mm)
0.98 in. (25 mm) or more
(PW = 16.5 in. or 420 mm)
RM (right
margin) 0.12 in. (3 mm) or more (PW ≤14.33 in. or 364 mm)
0.98 in. (25 mm) or more
(PW = 16.5 in. or 420 mm)
0.12 in. (3 mm) or more
(PW ≤14.33 in. or 364 mm)
0.98 in. (25 mm) or more
(PW = 16.5 in. or 420 mm)
TM (top
margin) 0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more 0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more
BM
(bottom
margin)
0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more 0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more
Note: The maximum horizontal printable area is 13.6 inches (345.2 mm).

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual Chapter 1 Product Description
1-3
Continuous paper PW
LM RM
PL
TM
BM
printable area
Figure 1-3. Printable Area for Continuous Paper
Table 1-4. Printable Area for Continuous Paper
Continuous Paper
PW (width) See Table 1-12
PL (length) See Table 1-12
LM (left margin) 0.12 in. (3 mm) or more
RM (right margin) 0.12 in. (3 mm) or more
TM (top margin) 0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more
BM (bottom margin) 0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more
Envelopes
printable area
PW
LM RM
PL
TM
BM
Figure 1-4. Printable Area for Envelopes
Table 1-5. Printable Area for Envelopes
Envelopes
PW (width) See Table 1-10
PL (length) See Table 1-10
LM (left margin) 0.12 in. (3 mm) or more
RM (right margin) 0.12 in. (3 mm) or more
TM (top margin) 0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more
BM (bottom margin) 0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual Chapter 1 Product Description
1-4
Postcards
printable area
PW
LM RM
PL
TM
BM
Figure 1-5. Printable Area for Postcards
Table 1-6. Printable Area for Postcards
Postcards
PW (width) See Table 1-11
PL (length) See Table 1-11
LM (left margin) 0.12 in. (3 mm) or more
RM (right margin) 0.12 in. (3 mm) or more
TM (top margin) 0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more
BM (bottom margin) 0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more
Roll paper PW
LM RM
TM
BM
printable area
Figure 1-6. Printable Area for Roll Paper
Table 1-7. Printable Area for Roll Paper
Roll Paper
PW (width) See Table 1-14
PL (length) See Table 1-14
LM (left margin) 0.12 in. (3 mm) or more
RM (right margin) 0.12 in. (3 mm) or more
TM (top margin) 0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more
BM (bottom margin) 0.17 in. (4.2 mm) or more

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual Chapter 1 Product Description
1-5
1.1.5 Paper Feed Specifications
Standard feeding Friction front, rear
methods: Push tractor front, rear
Pull tractor front, rear, bottom
Push and pull tractor front, rear
Optional feeding Cut-sheet feeder (CSF),
methods: bin 1 or bin 2 rear (top)
Roll paper holder rear
Paper paths: Manual insertion front or rear in; top out
CSF rear in; top out
Tractor front, rear, or bottom in;
top out
Feed speed: Normal 61 ms for 1/6-inch line
feed
5.0 ips or 0.127 mps
(continuous paper)
Copy mode 83 ms for 1/6-inch line
feed
3.1 ips or 0.078 mps
(continuous paper)
1.1.6 Paper Specifications
Single sheets
Table 1-8. Specifications for Single Sheets
Front Entry Rear Entry
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Width
(inches)
(mm) 3.9 100 16.5 420 3.9 100 16.5 420
Length
(inches)
(mm) 5.8 148 16.5 420 3.9 100 16.5 420
Thickness
(inches)
(mm) 0.0025 0.065 0.0055 0.14 0.0025 0.065 0.0055 0.14
Weight
(lb)
(g/m2)14 52 24 90 14 52 24 90
Quality Plain or recycled paper;
not curled, folded, or
crumpled
Plain or recycled paper; not
curled, folded, or crumpled
Note: Use recycled paper only under normal temperature and humidity
conditions.

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual Chapter 1 Product Description
1-6
Single-sheet multi-part forms
Table 1-9. Specifications for Single-sheet Multi-part Forms
Front Entry Rear Entry
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Width
(inches)
(mm) 3.9 100 16.5 420 3.9 100 16.5 420
Length
(inches)
(mm) 5.8 148 16.5 420 3.9 100 16.5 420
Copies 1 original + 5 copies 1 original + 5 copies
Total
thickness
(inches)
(mm) 0.0047 0.012 0.018 0.46 0.0047 0.012 0.018 0.46
Weight
(lb)
(g/m2)12
40 15 58 12 40 15 58
Quality Plain or recycled paper; not
curled, folded, or crumpled Plain or recycled paper; not curled, folded, or crumpled
Binding A line of glue at the top or
on one side of the form A line of glue at the top of the form
Envelopes
Table 1-10. Specifications for Envelopes
Rear Entry
Minimum Maximum
No. 6 envelopes Width
(inches)
(mm) 6.5 165
Length
(inches)
(mm) 3.9 92
No. 10 envelopes Width
(inches)
(mm) 9.5 241
Length
(inches)
(mm) 4.1 105
Total thickness (inches)
(mm) 0.0063 0.16 0.020 0.52
Weight (lb)
(g/m2)12 40 15 58
Quality Bond, plain, or airmail paper; not
curled, folded, or crumpled
Note:

Load envelopes using the rear (top) slot only; do not load envelopes in
the front slot.

Insert the envelope into the printer with the flap side on top and the
printable side down.

Before printing on envelopes, set the paper thickness lever to a
minimum of position 4 or 5 and turn on the card mode by pressing the
Tear Off/Bin button until both Tear Off/Bin lights are on. After you finish
printing on envelopes, press the Tear Off/Bin button once to exit the
card mode.

Use envelopes only under normal temperature and humidity conditions.

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual Chapter 1 Product Description
1-7
Postcards
Table 1-11. Specifications for Postcards
Front Entry Rear Entry
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Width
(inches)
(mm) 3.9 100 5.83 148 3.9 100 5.83 148
Length
(inches)
(mm) 5.83 148 5.83 148 3.9 100 5.83 148
Thickness
(inches)
(mm) 0.0087 0.22
Weight
(lb)
(g/m2) 51 192
Note:

Before printing on postcards, set the paper thickness lever to position 3
or higher and turn on the card mode by pressing the Tear Off/Bin
button until both Tear Off/Bin lights are on. After you finish printing on
envelopes, press the Tear Off/Bin button once to exit the card mode.

Use postcards only under normal temperature and humidity conditions.
Continuous paper
Table 1-12. Specifications for Continuous Paper
Front Entry Rear Entry Bottom Entry
Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.
Width
(inches)
(mm) 4 101.6 16 406.4 4 101.6 16 406.4 4 101.6 16 406.4
Length
(inches)
(mm) 4 101.6 22 558.8 4 101.6 22 558.8 4 101.6 22 558.8
Copies* 1 original + 5
copies 1 original + 5 copies 1 original + 5 copies
Total thickness
(inches)
(mm) 0.0025 0.065 0.018 0.046 0.0025 0.065 0.018 0.046 0.0025 0.065 0.018 0.046
Weight
(ordinary page)
(lb)
(g/m2)12
52 22 82 12 52 22 82 12 52 22 82
Weight (one
sheet of a
multi-part form)
(lb)
(g/m2)12 40 15 58 12 40 15 58 12 40 15 58
Quality Plain or recycled paper, carbonless multi-part forms
Binding Dots of glue or paper staples on both sides (front,
bottom, or rear entry) or dots of glue on only one side
(rear entry)
* To print 1 original + 6 copies, you must use the pull tractor along with
the front or rear tractor.

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual Chapter 1 Product Description
1-8
Continuous paper with labels
Table 1-13. Specifications for Continuous Paper with Labels
Front Entry Bottom Entry
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Label size
(inches)
(mm) 15/16 ×2.5 23.8 ×63.5 15/16 ×2.5 23.8 ×63.5
Width(inches)
(mm) 4 101.6 16 406.4 4 101.6 16 406.4
Length
(inches)
(mm) 4 101.6 22 558.8 4 101.6 22 558.8
Backing sheet
thickness
(inches)
(mm) 0.0028 0.07 0.0035 0.09 0.0028 0.07 0.0035 0.09
Total thickness
(lb)
(g/m2)0.16 0.0063 0.19 0.0075 0.16 0.0063 0.19 0.0075
Label weight
(lb)
(g/m2)17
68 17 68
Quality Avery continuous form
labels, Avery mini-line
labels, or equivalent
quality labels
Avery continuous form
labels, Avery mini-line
labels, or equivalent
quality labels
Note:

Use only continuous labels; do not use labels with single-sheet backing
paper.

Load continuous paper with labels only in the front or bottom slot; do not
load labels in the rear slot.
Roll paper
Table 1-14. Specifications for Roll Paper
Rear Entry
Minimum Maximum
Width (inches)
(mm) 8.5 216
Length (inches)
(mm) 
Thickness (inches)
(mm) 0.0028 0.07 0.0035 0.09
Weight (lb)
(g/m2)14 52 22 82
Quality Plain paper; not curled, folded, or crumpled
1.1.7 Interface Specifications
Standard: Bidirectional parallel interface
(IEEE-1284 nibble mode supported)
Optional: Type B interface, level 2
1.1.8 Software Specifications
Control codes: ESC/P®
IBM®2381 Plus emulation
Fonts: 1 draft bitmap and 2 LQ typefaces
8 barcode fonts
Character tables: Standard version: 11 tables
NLSP version: 20 tables
Input buffer: 64 KB

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual Chapter 1 Product Description
1-9
1.1.9 Environmental Conditions
Temperature
Operating: 41°to 95°F (5°to 35°C)
When using recycled
paper, envelopes, labels,
or roll paper: 59°to 77°F (15°to 25°C)
Non-operating (storage): −22°to 140°F (−30°to 60°C)
Humidity
Operating: 10% to 80% RH
When using recycled
paper, envelopes, labels,
or roll paper: 30% to 60% RH
Non-operating (storage): 0% to 85% RH
1.1.10 Electrical Specifications
120 V model
Rated voltage: 120 VAC
Input voltage range: 99 to 132 VAC
Rated frequency range: 50 to 60 Hz
Input frequency range: 49.5 to 60.5 Hz
Rated current: 1.0 A (1.8 A maximum)
Power consumption: Approx. 46 W (ISO/IEC 10561 letter pattern)
Energy Star compliant
Insulation resistance: 10 MΩminimum (between AC line and
chassis, 500 V)
Dielectric strength: 1000 VAC rms. 1 minute or 1200 VAC rms.
1 second (between AC line and chassis)
220 to 240 V model
Rated voltage: 220 to 240 VAC
Input voltage range: 198 to 264 VAC
Rated frequency range: 50 to 60 Hz
Input frequency range: 49.5 to 60.5 Hz
Rated current: 0.5 A (0.9 A maximum)
Power consumption: Approx. 46 W (ISO/IEC 10561 letter pattern)
Energy Star compliant
Insulation resistance: 10 MΩminimum (between AC line and
chassis, 500 V)
Dielectric strength: 1500 VAC rms. 1 minute (between AC line
and chassis)
UPS (Universal Power Supply) model
Rated voltage: 100 to 120 VAC or 220 to 240 VAC
Input voltage range: 90 to 132 VAC or 198 to 264 VAC
Rated frequency range: 50 to 60 Hz
Input frequency range: 49.5 to 60.5 Hz
Rated current: 1.1 A (2.2 A maximum) or 0.6 A (1.1 A
maximum)
Power consumption: Approx. 46 W (ISO/IEC 10561 letter pattern)
Energy Star compliant
Insulation resistance: 10 MΩminimum (between AC line and
chassis, 500 V)
Dielectric strength: 1500 VAC rms. 1 minute (between AC line
and chassis)
1.1.11 Physical Specifications
Dimensions: 25.16 in. (W) ×15.83 in. (D) ×10.12 in (H)
639 mm (W) ×402 mm (D) ×257 mm (H)
(with CSF bin 1): 25.16 in. (W) ×18.46 in. (D) ×14.96 in (H)
639 mm (W) ×469 mm (D) ×380 mm (H)
(with CSF bin 2): 25.16 in. (W) ×23.54 in. (D) ×16.18 in (H)
639 mm (W) ×598 mm (D) ×411 mm (H)
Weight: Approx. 28.66 lb (13 kg)
(with CSF bin 1): Approx. 35.94 lb (16.3 kg)
(with CSF bin 2): Approx. 37.92 lb (17.2 kg)
1.1.12 Reliability
Total print volume: 7.5 million lines (except print head)
MTBF: 10,000 power-on hours (POH)
Print head life: Approx. 300 million characters

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual Chapter 1 Product Description
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1.1.13 Safety Approvals
120 V model
Safety standards: UL1950
CSA C22.2 No. 950
EMI: FCC part 15 subpart B class B
CSA C108.8 class B
220 to 240 V model
Safety standards: EN 60950 (TÜV, NEMKO)
EMI: EN 55022 (CISPR pub. 22) class B
AS/NZS 3548 class B
UPS model
Safety standards: UL1950
CSA C22.2 No. 950
EN 60950 (TÜV, NEMKO)
EMI: FCC part 15 subpart B class B
CSA C108.8 class B
EN 55022 (CISPR pub. 22) class B
AS/NZS 3548 class B
1.1.14 CE Marking
220 to 240 V and UPS models
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC: EN60950
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC: EN55022 class B
EN61000-3-2
EN61000-3-3
EN50082-1
IEC801-2
IEC801-3
IEC801-4
1.1.15 Acoustic Noise
Level: Approx. 55 dB(A), according to ISO 7779
pattern
1.1.16 Ribbon Cartridge
Type: Fabric
Color: Black
Ribbon life: Approx. 12 million characters
(draft, 10 cpi, 14 dots/character)
1.2 Operation
This section provides detailed information about the control panel buttons
and LEDs, and explains the printer’s beep patterns.
1.2.1 Control Panel
The control panel contains seven non-locking pushbuttons and nine LEDs,
as shown below.
Figure 1-7. Control Panel
1.2.1.1 Buttons
WARNING
The power switch is wired in the secondary
circuitry of the power supply board. Therefore, the
power supply’s primary circuitry remains live
even after the printer is turned off.

EPSON FX-2180 Service Manual Chapter 1 Product Description
1-11
Table 1-15. Button Functions
Button Function
Operate Turns the printer on and off. The printer is off when the top
of this button is even with the button protectors.
Pause •Stops printing temporarily, and resumes printing when
pressed again. (Selects on line or off line status.)
•When held down for three seconds when the printer is in
the standby state, enters the micro adjust mode. When
pressed again, exits the micro adjust mode.
Load/Eject •Loads continuous paper from the standby position.
•Feeds continuous paper backward to the standby
position.
•Loads a single sheet of paper from the paper entry slot.
•Ejects a single sheet of paper if a sheet is loaded.
LF/FF •When pressed, executes a line feed.
•When held down, executes a form feed. This advances
continuous paper to the next top-of-form position or
ejects a single sheet.
Tear
Off/Bin •Feeds continuous paper forward to the tear-off position.
•Feeds continuous paper backward from the tear-off
position to the top-of-form position.
•Selects a cut-sheet feeder bin when the cut-sheet feeder
is installed.
•Enters the card mode to print on postcards and
envelopes.
Font Selects one of the following fonts: Draft, Roman, or Sans
Serif.
Pitch Selects one of the following font widths: 10 cpi,
12 cpi, 15 cpi, 17 cpi, 20 cpi, or PS (proportional spacing).
Micro
Adjust ↑/ ↓In the micro adjust mode, executes a micro feed (moves the paper forward or backward 1/216 inch). Depending on
the position of your paper, you can use this button to adjust
the top-of-form or tear-off position.
1.2.1.2 LEDs
Table 1-16. LED Indicators
LED(s) Color Description
Pause Orange •On when the printer is paused.
•Off when the printer is on line.
•Flashes when the printer is in the micro
adjust mode or the print head is
overheated.
Paper Out Red •On when no paper is loaded or paper is
not loaded correctly in the selected paper
source.
•Off when paper is loaded correctly in the
selected paper source.
•Flashes when paper has not been fully
ejected or a paper jam has occurred.
Tear Off/Bin Green •o o when continuous paper is not in the
tear-off position.
•f f when continuous paper is in the tear-
off position.
•o n when bin 1 of the optional cut-sheet
feeder is selected.
•n o when bin 2 of the optional cut-sheet
feeder is selected.
•n n when the printer is in the card mode.
n = on o = off f = flashing
Font Green Indicates which font is selected.
Pitch Green Indicates which font size is selected.